“The pleasures to be had come from the characters, and, under the codirection of Bob Frazer and Sara-Jeanne Hosie, who are both performers themselves, the portraits here are very successful.” -The Georgia Straight, Colin Thomas

Blood Brothers Musical is, at first, a heart-warming story of Mickey and Edward, two brothers separated at birth, brought together again through friendship. However, their familial relationship is concealed by their guardians who strive to keep them apart because of superstitious beliefs.

Despite relocating, their lives continue to intertwine, although the deep divisions between the privileged life of Edward and Mickey’s poverty-stricken existence are wholly apparent. As they try to conquer the social divisions which hinder their friendship, they must deal with the harsh realities of class consciousness; Edward goes on to study at Oxford whilst Mickey is forced into a life of crime through unemployment.

As adults, they are caught up in a vicious love triangle with Mickey’s childhood sweetheart Linda. Mickey’s imprisonment and subsequent depression pushes Linda into the arms of the conciliatory Edward. A desperate Mickey takes drastic action against his fraternal twin which will ultimately expose their true identities.

Blood Brothers opened at the Liverpool Playhouse in 1983. Produced in association with Bob Swash Ltd and directed by Chris Bond. From it’s hugely successful Liverpool production it transferred to the Lyric Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, London, where it became the musical hit of the season, winning three awards for its author/composer and one for its leading actress/singer Barbara Dickson.

Photo (top) of Adam Charles, John Mann, Terra C. McLeod and Shane Snow by David Cooper.